ODA and the European Union have completed the “EU for SMEs” project, under which 377 investment projects were supported and grants totaling 7.17 million euros were provided, enabling a total of 15.5 million euros in investments to be attracted to the economy
This was reported by the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA), which, together with the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization and the European Union Delegation in Moldova, marked the successful completion of the “EU for SMEs” project—one of the most significant initiatives to support Moldova’s entrepreneurial environment—as part of the 3rd edition of the Entrepreneurs’ Day. The assistance provided under this project contributed to the creation of 1,575 new jobs and the preservation of more than 4,050 existing jobs. Of the total number of project beneficiaries, 300 enterprises operate in rural areas, and 160 are businesses established and managed by women. As part of the entrepreneurial skills development component, more than 615 people participated in training and informational events. During the event, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Eugen Osmochescu emphasized the importance of the partnership between Moldova and the European Union for the development of the SME sector. He noted that entrepreneurs play a key role in Moldova’s economic development, as they are the ones who invest, introduce innovations, create jobs, and contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of our economy. Every growing business means more opportunities for citizens, stronger communities, and a more sustainable economy. As the Minister noted, the results of the “EU for SMEs” project confirm that support provided to small and medium-sized enterprises yields tangible and long-term results. The grants provided have made it possible to modernize businesses, expand production capacity, implement new investment projects, and create hundreds of jobs. This support has reached all regions of the country, including rural areas, providing important opportunities for women entrepreneurs, who are playing an increasingly active role in Moldova’s socioeconomic development. These results confirm that investment in entrepreneurship is an effective tool for stimulating economic growth and raising citizens’ standard of living. The partnership between Moldova and the European Union continues to yield concrete results for the business environment. The development of the SME sector remains a strategic priority for the government, as a strong entrepreneurial sector means a more competitive, modern, and prosperous economy. In turn, Julda Kielyte, Team Leader for Inclusive and Competitive Growth at the EU Delegation to Moldova, highlighted the European Union’s role in supporting entrepreneurship. She emphasized that when entrepreneurs develop and expand their businesses, they directly contribute to increasing the economy’s competitiveness and strengthening its resilience. That is why the European Union remains a reliable partner in supporting entrepreneurship in Moldova. “Through initiatives such as the ‘EU for SMEs’ project, we have helped create an ecosystem that provides entrepreneurs with access to financing, training opportunities, and the tools necessary to strengthen their skills, confidence, and ability to grow their businesses in the long term,” noted Julda Kielyte. For his part, ODA Director Vadim Codreanu noted that the results achieved go far beyond statistical indicators and reflect real transformations in the entrepreneurial environment. According to him, behind every investment made and every job created are entrepreneurs who have found the courage to follow their vision, invest in growth, and turn challenges into opportunities. “The ‘EU for SMEs’ project has demonstrated that strong partnerships and access to financial instruments tailored to business needs can deliver results with a real impact on Moldova’s economy. Together with the European Union, we have succeeded in providing the necessary support for growth and innovation,” he said. The project was implemented from 2023 to 2026 and helped enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises by facilitating access to grant funding, developing entrepreneurial skills, and supporting investments in sustainable businesses. The European Union continues to support the development of Moldova’s entrepreneurial environment through the Growth Plan for Moldova, which allocates significant resources to stimulate investment, strengthen the competitiveness of enterprises, develop economic infrastructure, and accelerate the country’s economic integration into the single European market. // 17.06.2026 — InfoMarket.
